Josh McDaniels on verge of being named Browns head coach?

The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that they are interviewing Josh McDaniels for their vacant head coaching position on Friday, and speculation is growing that the two sides will come to an agreement.

McDaniels’ wife Laura is traveling with him to Cleveland, according to multiple reports. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media and others see that as a sign that a deal could come together quickly.

This is an important detail for today’s interview for #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels with the #Browns: His wife Laura is on the trip. It is possible, if all goes well, Cleveland could close it out today. All the pieces are in place as a big decision looms for the #Browns.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2020

McDaniels could start work immediately for the Browns, as the New England Patriots have been eliminated from the playoffs. Other candidates for the position like Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy are still preparing for postseason games.

While you might think McDaniels would not want to risk having his second head coaching job be with a tortured franchise, the Browns have plenty of talent on their roster and McDaniels was a big fan of Baker Mayfield when the quarterback came out of Oklahoma. The coach was also born and raised in Ohio.

McDaniels would be a solid hire for Cleveland, but we know nothing is a done deal with him until the ink is dry on the contract. If the Browns are smart, they won’t announce any potential McDaniels news until it becomes official.